Citymapper has been waiting for more than 6 months for a private hire license in London

Citymapper is trying to get a private hire operator license in London as it experiments running bus routes.

But it has been waiting on its application for more than six months.

London transport regulator TfL has been slow to grant licenses to other minicab firms too.

One of the UK's top startups is the latest to have its ambitions thwarted by London's transport regulator, which has been accused of dragging its heels when it comes to supporting innovative new companies in the wake of its row with Uber.

Citymapper has been left waiting months for approval for a private hire operator licence by Transport for London (TfL) according to sources close to the company, City A.M. can reveal.

Such a licence must be obtained to operate a minicab firm in London. Uber was denied a renewal of its licence in a shock move in September.

Citymapper's app uses TfL's open transport data, but it's understood that the firm has been left frustrated after running into a hold up when it comes to working with other parts of the organisation.

"We work closely with technology companies around the world to support innovation that could improve transport in London," said a spokesperson for TfL.

"Our regulation of London's taxi and private hire trades is designed to ensure passenger safety, with private hire operators having to meet rigorous regulations, and demonstrate to TfL that they do so, in order to operate. TfL must be satisfied that an operator is fit and proper to hold a licence."